Lancaster, Texas
Lancaster is a city in Dallas County, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, about 13 miles south of Dallas, with a population of about 40,780.
Dallas
County
40,780
Population
Dallas–Fort Worth
Region
33.1 sq mi
Land Area
13 mi
to Dallas
Updated October 2026 · Population: U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2024. Land area and coordinates: U.S. Census Bureau. · Lancaster on Wikipedia
Lancaster City Limits
The official city boundary and the major highways through Lancaster.
Major roads: I-20 · I-35 · I-45 · State Hwy 342 · US Hwy 77
Boundary & roads: U.S. Census Bureau (TIGER/Line).
Lancaster from our research
What we've verified about Lancaster, one line per topic. Each links to the full page and its sources.
- History
- An 1844 settlement, one of the oldest in Dallas County, home to a Confederate pistol factory and struck by a violent 1994 tornado. Details →
- Dining
- 60 verified places to eat and drink; most common: Mexican & Tex-Mex · Coffee, Sweets & Bakery · Pizza & Italian; 5 have a full bar. Details → Source: Texas Comptroller sales-tax permit records, checked place by place
- Schools
- 246 public schools within 12 miles, across 35 districts and charters, mainly Lancaster ISD, Dallas ISD and Desoto ISD. Details → Source: Texas Education Agency — current schools
- Utilities
- A deregulated Oncor-grid electricity market where you choose your provider, plus Atmos gas, city water, and internet options. Details →
- Outdoors
- Nearest state parks: Cedar Hill (12 mi), Lake Tawakoni (48 mi), Purtis Creek (48 mi). Nearest lakes: Joe Pool Lake (14 mi), Mountain Creek Lake (14 mi). Details → Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
- Contractors
- 8 licensed plumbers, 36 licensed HVAC contractors and 12 licensed electricians serve Lancaster. Details → Source: TSBPE and TDLR license records, checked business by business
FAQ: Lancaster, Texas
Dallas County. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 place-by-county list places all of Lancaster in Dallas County.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from Lancaster
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
Things to Do in East Texas
What to do in East Texas, checked against official sources: Tyler's Rose Garden and Caldwell Zoo, Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas State Railroad, state parks, museums and festivals.
Read Guide →Best Day Trips from Tyler and East Texas
Drive-time guide to day trips from Tyler: state parks, small towns, museums, and lakes within about 30 minutes, an hour, and up to three hours.
Read Guide →Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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